Emery Pitchers

This Aesthetic Movement brown transferware Sussex pattern earthenware pitcher and basin set was made by FJ Emery of Burslem, England, in operation from 1878 to 1894. The pitcher and basin feature large cartouches bearing swallows in flight over moonlit waves. The decoration includes flower-filled cartouches and wide bands with trailing flowers above and below, along with Japanese-influenced Aesthetic motifs. The exterior of the basin has three large floral and foliate groupings, variations of which also appear beneath the lip of the pitcher. The pitcher sports an ornate scrolled handle ornamented with a coordinating band of foliate decor. The basin measures just over 16" across the rim and stands 5" tall. It is 7.75" across the foot rim. The glazed foot bears a backstamp reading "SUSSEX EMERY BURSLEM" indicating the Sussex pattern made by Emery in Burslem, the "Mother Town" of Stoke-on-Trent. It is a substantial piece and weighs 5lbs 12.5oz. The basin is in good condition with signs of use and wear expected in an antique item, including areas of fine age-related crazing with associated discoloration under the glaze and small chips to the underside of the foot rim. Production-related anomalies are present including three stilt marks from the kiln located inside and underneath the basin, an area of glaze pooling with crazing near the foot rim, glaze pops and flecks of material caught in the glaze, a few tight firing cracks that do not carry through the body, and anomalies in the transfer decoration. The pitcher stands 12.75" tall and is 7" across the widest part of the body. It measures 8.75" from the front of the lip to the back of the handle and is 4.5" across the neck as measured at the rim. The foot rim is 4.75" in diameter and bears the same backstamp found on the basin with the addition of the number 1 and the impressed number 22. The piece weighs 4 lbs. The pitcher is in very good condition with signs of use and wear expected in an antique item including a minor chip and shelf wear to the underside of the foot. Common production-related anomalies are present including glaze pops, pooling, and irregularities in the transfer decoration noted for accuracy. This charming Emery Sussex pattern swallow and flower basin and pitcher set displays beautifully and would make a wonderful addition to an existing brown Aesthetic Movement transferware collection or a larger grouping of antique transferware...